It’s not only important to count your blessings, but to share your blessings.
(above) Trustee Deb Belfatto with Nadine Brechner, Chief Development Officer for Trinitas. The Trinitas Family sends thanks to Deb and Joe, Lindsay and Marcus for their compassion and generosity.
“It’s our family philosophy,” says Deb Belfatto of Summit, a trustee for Trinitas Health Foundation, which serves as the fundraising arm of Trinitas Regional Medical Center.
Recently, her son-in-law Marcus Tabani, Store Team Leader of Whole Foods in Bryant Park, NYC, arranged to donate toys from the store to Trinitas’ New Point Campus, which serves pediatric patients with behavioral health needs.
Loading up vehicles filled with donated gifts for a family in need or a chosen charity has been a Belfatto family tradition for many years. And now, her daughter Lindsay and her husband Marcus carry on the tradition of giving for the holidays. This year, they held a Christmas party and asked guests to bring presents for the children at Trinitas in lieu of hostess’ gifts. Marcus added to the collection with quality toys from Whole Foods, such as wooden blocks, stuffed animals and puzzles.
“I’m proud of Lindsay and Marcus for carrying on our tradition,” says Deb. “The toys were delivered on New Years’ Day when all the children could be there to receive them. They all gathered in the community room and Lindsay spoke. It was heartwarming. It was an opportunity to express gratitude for their blessings. And that’s what Christmas is really all about.”
Deb is Co-Chair of the “Peace of Mind” capital campaign, which is raising $4 million to renovate and modernize the building that houses the extensive Department of Behavioral Health & Psychiatry of Trinitas Regional Medical Center.
Submitted by Yolanda Fleming
